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At Rapid Energy, we’re proud to be powered by technical expertise at every level of the business. Today, we’re sharing insight that would be helpful to know for chiller hire from one of our most experienced team members.
Matt Stapley, our recently appointed Technical Director, brings over 30 years of experience in the HVAC hire industry. With a background that includes leading technical sales support teams, managing complex installations across Europe, and driving energy-efficient innovations, Matt offers a wealth of industry knowledge.
In this blog, Matt explores a common question we often encounter when supporting industrial and commercial clients: What’s the difference between air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, and which is better suited to your needs?
Air-Cooled Chillers vs Water-Cooled Chillers: What’s the Difference?
Both air-cooled and water-cooled chillers use the same fundamental refrigeration principles to provide process cooling. The key difference lies in how each system rejects heat.
- Air-cooled chillers dissipate heat via fans that blow ambient air across the condenser coils.
- Water-cooled chillers use water circulated through a cooling tower or adiabatic cooler to remove heat from the refrigerant circuit.
A cooling tower acts as a heat exchanger that removes excess heat through evaporation, making it a central component of water-cooled systems.
Benefits of Air-Cooled Chillers
Air-cooled chillers are widely used in process cooling applications for good reason. Their key advantages include:
- Compact footprint: These chillers typically require less space, as they eliminate the need for a cooling tower and associated pump systems.
- Lower maintenance: Without water treatment requirements or complex tower maintenance, air-cooled systems are generally simpler and more cost-effective to maintain.
- Flexible installation: Air-cooled chillers can be easily integrated into existing water-cooled systems with minimal setup, as they only require the process flow and return connections, along with a clear area to position the equipment.
Benefits of Water-Cooled Chillers
Water-cooled chillers offer distinct performance advantages, particularly in large-scale or high-demand environments:
- Higher efficiency: Water is a more effective medium for heat transfer than air. These systems are also less affected by fluctuating ambient temperatures, delivering consistently efficient cooling.
- Longer lifespan: With proper maintenance, water-cooled systems are extremely durable and can operate for many years.
- Improved ROI: Though they require a higher initial investment, the energy efficiency and long-term performance of water-cooled systems can yield significant returns over time.
Important Consideration: Legionella Risk
One potential drawback of water-cooled systems is the risk of Legionella bacteria developing within cooling towers and associated pipework. If not properly maintained, these systems can create environments conducive to biofilm and bacterial growth, potentially leading to Legionnaires’ disease – a serious form of pneumonia.
To mitigate this risk, rigorous, routine maintenance is essential. This includes regular cleaning, disinfection, and water treatment to ensure compliance with health and safety standards and minimise the potential for Legionella contamination.
Learn more about the importance of water treatment for effective chiller operation here.
Which Chiller Is Right for Your Application?
Chillers play a critical role in maintaining stable process temperatures, reducing downtime, and preventing production issues. When choosing between an air-cooled or water-cooled chiller, consider the following:
- Space constraints: Air-cooled chillers are ideal for sites with limited space.
- Budget: Air-cooled systems often present a lower upfront and ongoing maintenance cost.
- Efficiency goals: Water-cooled systems provide superior energy performance, especially in stable environments with space for tower infrastructure.
At Rapid Energy, we offer a wide range of air-cooled chillers from 4kW to 760kW, ready for rapid deployment and tailored to your specific site needs.
Need Help Selecting the Right Chiller?
Our technical team, led by industry experts like Matt, is on hand to help you specify your ideal temperature control hire solution. From short-term needs to complex hire projects, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
